The Ford Barn

OldFred · 01-10-2025, 01:54 PM

Thank you for accepting my application. Appreciate it. I've restored six or more Model A's, ground up..a /36 Chevy Standard Coupe, and half a dozen Farmall Cubs..but I'm more of a "body and detail man" and not much of an electrician at all..so I'm asking: I have a 1938 Standard coupe, business coupe (actually yes..back set comes up with detailed storage compartment)..it's a late 40's early 50's "hot rod".. love this Flathead!..she's got a 59 A, with a high rise aluminum intake, and two Holly 94's, headers and Champion cast heads. Like the boys did when I was a kid. ( I am 83 now)...it's all steel, with a sharp tuck and roll great interior. Problem is: Was in two "collections for years" then finally sold at Mecum.. I got it from the buyer two years later.
I've tried to learn all I can "electrically" on it, but am having a problem with the headlights: The headlight switch had been "monkeyed" with..and a poorly dressed "retaining clip" caused the lights to blow..when I first tried them here at home. Having done Model A's with the "horn rod" etc I correctly replaced the switch, put in a new 20 amp fuse..but it STILL BLOWS...and I'm kinda' frustrated. I've checked all connections..but someone said possibly the dimmer switch could be a problem: Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

super flat · 01-14-2025, 03:47 PM

Dimmer switch is likely!

OldFred · 01-16-2025, 03:15 PM

Thanks...ordering one today. I appreciate the suggestion. Fred

OldFred · 02-13-2025, 08:36 PM

Thanks. I installed a new dimmer switch..the correct one for a 38 standard all lights came on but when I pressed the dimmer switch, the 20 amp fuse blew. Now I'm trying to find a short to the headlights. Can anyone share with me, GOT THE BEZELS off, after a long slow process. I'm asking: How do I get the headlight lense off? it's on there with three, fairly rusted tabs. Hate to break them they are original and perfect Ford lenses. I THINK I have to get at the bulbs, and the wires to check them from the INSIDE of the light, correct? Could use some help on this. The light is screwed in several places to the bucket. Do I remove that, and leave the lense in? Does'nt seem right..sure would like to know how to get to those INNER wires to check them out. Hope to hear back. Fred

OldFred · 02-14-2025, 12:57 AM

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got it figured out. In case there's someone with a similar question, remove the four larger screws,that surround the glass frame and glass: upper left and right, lower left and right. The bucket will come out. Restored 5 "A"s and a few tractors, but the 38 standard is a new adventure for me. Appreciate being on this site.

01-10-2025, 01:54 PM	#1
OldFred Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2025 Posts: 10	38 Standard V8..headlights blowing fuse Thank you for accepting my application. Appreciate it. I've restored six or more Model A's, ground up..a /36 Chevy Standard Coupe, and half a dozen Farmall Cubs..but I'm more of a "body and detail man" and not much of an electrician at all..so I'm asking: I have a 1938 Standard coupe, business coupe (actually yes..back set comes up with detailed storage compartment)..it's a late 40's early 50's "hot rod".. love this Flathead!..she's got a 59 A, with a high rise aluminum intake, and two Holly 94's, headers and Champion cast heads. Like the boys did when I was a kid. ( I am 83 now)...it's all steel, with a sharp tuck and roll great interior. Problem is: Was in two "collections for years" then finally sold at Mecum.. I got it from the buyer two years later. I've tried to learn all I can "electrically" on it, but am having a problem with the headlights: The headlight switch had been "monkeyed" with..and a poorly dressed "retaining clip" caused the lights to blow..when I first tried them here at home. Having done Model A's with the "horn rod" etc I correctly replaced the switch, put in a new 20 amp fuse..but it STILL BLOWS...and I'm kinda' frustrated. I've checked all connections..but someone said possibly the dimmer switch could be a problem: Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

01-14-2025, 03:47 PM	#2
super flat Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: west bend wi Posts: 319	Re: 38 Standard V8..headlights blowing fuse Dimmer switch is likely! __________________ I am usually relatively happy------Gary

01-16-2025, 03:15 PM	#3
OldFred Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2025 Posts: 10	Re: 38 Standard V8..headlights blowing fuse Thanks...ordering one today. I appreciate the suggestion. Fred

02-13-2025, 08:36 PM	#4
OldFred Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2025 Posts: 10	Re: 38 Standard V8..headlights blowing fuse Thanks. I installed a new dimmer switch..the correct one for a 38 standard all lights came on but when I pressed the dimmer switch, the 20 amp fuse blew. Now I'm trying to find a short to the headlights. Can anyone share with me, GOT THE BEZELS off, after a long slow process. I'm asking: How do I get the headlight lense off? it's on there with three, fairly rusted tabs. Hate to break them they are original and perfect Ford lenses. I THINK I have to get at the bulbs, and the wires to check them from the INSIDE of the light, correct? Could use some help on this. The light is screwed in several places to the bucket. Do I remove that, and leave the lense in? Does'nt seem right..sure would like to know how to get to those INNER wires to check them out. Hope to hear back. Fred

02-14-2025, 12:57 AM	#5
OldFred Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2025 Posts: 10	Re: 38 Standard V8..headlights blowing fuse Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) got it figured out. In case there's someone with a similar question, remove the four larger screws,that surround the glass frame and glass: upper left and right, lower left and right. The bucket will come out. Restored 5 "A"s and a few tractors, but the 38 standard is a new adventure for me. Appreciate being on this site.